Botulinum toxin in the treatment or prevention of acne

Abstract

Botulinum toxin may be used to inhibit the cascade of events leading to acne. Results in preliminary studies have been dramatic. Withoout wishing to be bound by this theory, it is believed that botulinum toxin achieves this result through parasympathetic effects, inhibiting sweat gland activity, stimulating keratinocyte locomotion, anti-inflammatory effects, and possibly anti-androgenic effects. Botulinum toxin can play an important role in decreasing and even preventing the formation of acne.

Description

[0001] The benefit of the 27 Jul. 2001 filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 308,205 is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) in the United States, and is claimed under applicable treaties and conventions in all countries.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention pertains to a method for the treatment or prevention of acne vulgaris, particularly to the use of botulinum toxin to treat or prevent acne. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Acne Vulgaris [0004] While not life-threatening, acne vulgaris can cause significant problems for affected individuals. Depending on its severity and other factors, recalcitrant acne can be psychologically debilitating, and can impose significant financial and emotional costs on those whom it afflicts. Despite some recent successes in acne therapy, treatment failures are still common, especially in adult women. While many adults “outgrow” this disease, there are some who continue to be afflicted during much of adulthood, despite continued medical ad...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses the use of botulinum toxin to treat acne by inhibiting the cascade of events that leads to the condition. The toxin works by reducing sweat production, inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria that contribute to acne, and reducing follicular occlusion by keratinocytes. The treatment may be repeated every few months to prevent recurrences. The text also suggests that the toxin may have anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic effects. Overall, the patent provides a technical solution for using botulinum toxin to treat acne.

Problems solved by technology

While not life-threatening, acne vulgaris can cause significant problems for affected individuals.

Depending on its severity and other factors, recalcitrant acne can be psychologically debilitating, and can impose significant financial and emotional costs on those whom it afflicts.

Despite some recent successes in acne therapy, treatment failures are still common, especially in adult women.

Unfortunately, the most potent acne medication in current use is administered systemically via a treatment that is teratogenic, an important issue for many women.

In addition, acne patients typically produce sebum that is deficient in linoleic acid, which is a potential cause of abnormal keratinization and follicular obstruction.

In a separate route, P. acnes can hydrolyze triglycerides to free fatty acids, which also increase inflammation and follicular obstruction.

P. acnes may also activate the complement components of the immune system, which can also lead to follicular obstruction.

In an acne-prone individual, the shedding of cells from this lining is often impeded, perhaps due to an increased level of intracellular adhesion that promotes the retention of cells.

The retained cells can obstruct the follicles, resulting in comedones.

It has also been demonstrated that increased sebum levels can irritate keratinocytes, causing the release of interleukin-1, which in turn can cause follicular hyperkeratinization.

The most commonly used therapy is probably topical benzoyl peroxide, which has an antibacterial effect, and which may also decrease free fatty acids, resulting in a decrease in inflammation and follicular obstruction.

Systemic isotretinoin (Accutane™), which is highly effective for acne, unfortunately has serious adverse effects, most notably teratogenicity.